Catharine, NY to East Flatbush, NY is 241.2 miles and takes about 5h 24m via Keystone Shortway and I 81/I 380, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, taking you from the Northeast region to another part of the Northeast. It's a straightforward drive that's mostly highway, making it a good option if you're looking to get from point A to point B efficiently. Given the manageable duration, it's well-suited for a single-day excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
120.6 miles from Catharine, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
63.3 mi
1h 19m
I 81
53.4 mi
1h 3m
I 380
23.6 mi
25m
Southern Tier Expressway
23.5 mi
28m
Essex Freeway
15.8 mi
20m
State Highway 224
11.2 mi
15m
State Highway 96
6.5 mi
9m
Spencer Road
4 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 63.3 mi, about 1h 19m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 196 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~4,254 veh/hr typical
· worst 5,020
Quietest
1 AM
~471 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Catharine, NY and East Flatbush, NY.
1
Start on CR 15
75 ft·7 sec·County Route 15
2
Turn left onto CR 14
3.8 mi·9 min·County Route 14
3
Turn left onto NY 13
0.2 mi·12 sec·State Highway 13
4
Turn right onto NY 224
11 mi·15 min·State Highway 224
5
Continue on NY 34
1.6 mi·2 min·State Highway 34
6
Continue on NY 34
0.8 mi·1 min·Spencer-Van Etten Road
7
Continue on NY 34
1.0 mi·2 min·West Tioga Street
8
Continue on NY 96
0.3 mi·27 sec·Candor Road
9
Continue on NY 96
1.0 mi·1 min·State Highway 96
10
Continue on NY 96
2.4 mi·3 min·Candor Road
11
Continue on NY 96
4.0 mi·5 min·Spencer Road
12
Continue on NY 96
0.1 mi·15 sec·Spencer Avenue
13
Turn right onto NY 96
0.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
14
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
0.4 mi·54 sec·Owego Street
15
Continue on NY 96
2.3 mi·3 min·Owego Road
16
Continue on NY 96
5.4 mi·7 min·State Highway 96
17
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
1.7 mi·3 min·NY 96
18
At end of road, turn right onto NY 96
335 ft·15 sec·Main Street
19
Turn left onto NY 17C; NY 96
0.1 mi·20 sec·Park Street
20
Turn slight left onto Susquehanna River Bridge Road
89 ft·3 sec·Susquehanna River Bridge Road
21
Continue on NY 96
0.3 mi·45 sec·Susquehanna River Bridge Road
22
Turn left onto NY 434
2.0 mi·3 min·Southside Drive
23
Take the ramp
372 ft·9 sec
24
Merge onto I 86
24 mi·28 min·Southern Tier Expressway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81
53 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: ScrantonUse the straight lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6
0.8 mi·1 min·US 6
Exit 187Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt PoconoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 84; I 380
3.7 mi·4 min·I 84; I 380
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South: Mount Pocono, MilfordUse the straight lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 380
24 mi·25 min·I 380
Exit 4Toward I 380 South: Mount Pocono
29
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: Stroudsburg
30
Merge onto I 80
63 mi·1 hr 19 min·Keystone Shortway
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Take the exit
0.7 mi·49 sec
Exit 47AToward I 280 East: The Oranges, Newark
32
Continue on I 280
16 mi·20 min·Essex Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 17AToward CR 508 East: Jersey City
34
Merge onto CR 508
2.0 mi·3 min·Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on NJ 7
0.5 mi·43 sec·New Wittpenn Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland TunnelUse the slight right lane.
37
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln TunnelUse the straight / slight left lanes.
38
Turn straight
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the straight lane.
39
Merge onto NJ 139
0.7 mi·1 min·Conrail Viaduct
40
Continue on NJ 139
0.4 mi·32 sec·12th Street Viaduct
41
Continue on I 78
0.3 mi·54 sec·12th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
42
Keep slight left at fork onto I 78
1.9 mi·4 min·Holland Tunnel
Toward Holland Tunnel, Manhattan
43
Take the exit
428 ft·14 sec
Toward NY 9A
44
Turn slight left onto Laight Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Laight Street
Toward NY 9A
45
At end of road, turn left onto NY 9A
0.9 mi·2 min·West Street
Use the straight lane.
46
Take the exit
2.6 mi·5 min
Exit 2Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, BrooklynUse the left lane.
47
Continue on I 278
0.6 mi·50 sec·Gowanus Expressway
48
Take the exit onto NY 27
1.5 mi·2 min·NY 27
Exit 24Toward NY 27 East: Prospect ExpresswayUse the slight left / straight lanes.
49
Take the exit onto NY 27
0.4 mi·47 sec·NY 27
Exit 5Toward NY 27 East: SUNY Downstate Medical CenterUse the slight right lane.
50
Turn left onto NY 27
1.2 mi·2 min·Caton Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
51
Continue on NY 27
1.4 mi·3 min·Linden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
52
Arrive at destination
NY 27
Trip Plan
For this 5-hour, 24-minute drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to complete the 241.2 miles. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops; consider breaking up the 63.3-mile stretch on Keystone Shortway with a brief rest. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $39, and plan your final refueling stop before entering the more developed areas around East Flatbush. The majority of the route is highway, so be prepared for the potential for denser traffic as you get closer to your destination.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 120.6 miles from Catharine, NY, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 63.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 53 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.6 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Flatbush, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Catharine, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Catharine, NY
This is one driving day of about 241.2 miles and 5h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Catharine, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 63.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 31
5 decision points cluster between mile 63 and 233.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
63 mi into trip|~1h 33m in|I 81
Keep slight right at fork onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Scranton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 South: Scranton
9
116.4 mi into trip|~2h 36m in|US 6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 6 toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbondale, Mt Pocono
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 187
Toward I 84 East, I 380 South, US 6 East: Carbo...
7
228.4 mi into trip|~4h 56m in
Take the exit toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward NJ 139 East: Hoboken, Holland Tunnel
8
228.7 mi into trip|~4h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel
8
233.7 mi into trip|~5h 8m in
Take the exit toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Exit 2
Toward Hugh L Carey Tunnel, Brooklyn
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.02 one way
$78.04 round trip
$4.11/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.46
$42.34
$84.69
premium
$4.85
$46.04
$92.07
diesel
$4.80
$45.54
$91.09
Estimated Tolls: $16.14
Holland Tunnel
$16.00
Newark-Jersey City Turnpike
(2 mi)$0.14
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.4
0
$25.33
$11.58
Efficient EV
60.3
0
$21.11
$9.65
EV Truck/SUV
96.5
1
$33.77
$15.44
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Catharine, NY
Evening
in Catharine on Monday
Local time
8:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Smoke
SW 7 to 13 mph93% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 9:59AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 9:59AM EDT until July 19 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Destination
East Flatbush, NY
Evening
in East Flatbush on Monday
Local time
8:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Areas Of Smoke
S 8 to 13 mph95% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 9:59AM EDT until July 18 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 18 at 9:59AM EDT until July 19 at 4:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
64°F
Hawley, PA
121 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 24m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
African Burial Ground National Monument
National Monument
The African Burial Ground stands as the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It offers a profound testament to the enduring legacy of Af...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 232.9
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation. Built to defend the harbor during the War of...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 232.9
Here at Federal Hall, George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, marking the beginning of the American constitutional republic. This historic site served as...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 232.9
Before the 1960s, almost everything about living authentically as a lesbian, a bisexual person or a gay man was illegal. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for civil r...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 232.9
From 1794 to 1966, the U.S. Army presence on Governors Island played a vital role in the social, political, and economic life of New York City. The island then served as the headquarters of the U.S. C...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 232.9
A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by Pre...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 232.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 62% of this 241.2-mile route on highways, primarily on Keystone Shortway, I 81, and I 380. Expect a longest stretch of 63.3 miles on Keystone Shortway before needing to navigate exits or change roads. The transition from highway to surface roads will likely involve a noticeable increase in intersections and potentially more varied speed limits as you approach your destination.
62% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 63.3 mi on Keystone Shortway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Keystone Shortway and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 63 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 241.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 63 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 116.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,896 ft30 ft
Total Climb
1,360 ft
Total Descent
2,511 ft
Highest Point
1,896 ft
~137.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,866 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Catharine, NY and East Flatbush, NY, road signs point toward Mt Pocono, Milford, Newark and Cr 508 East: Jersey City.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 24m. Total distance: 241.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 63.3 miles on Keystone Shortway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.14 in tolls one way, starting with Holland Tunnel. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at East Flatbush, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 63 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 116.4 miles (US 6): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 228.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — African Burial Ground National Monument, Castle Clinton National Monument and Federal Hall National Memorial (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at East Flatbush, NY before the return drive.
